13 Days Exploring Rwanda, Uganda and DRC
Experience the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible wildlife of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on this 13-day adventure. From the vibrant city life to serene lakes and majestic mountains, this tour offers a unique blend of activities and experiences.
Highlights:
- Gorilla Trekking: Encounter the majestic mountain and lowland gorillas in their natural habitats, guided by experienced rangers.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit local communities, including the Buhoma Pygmy Village and Gorilla Guardian Village, to learn about conservation efforts and traditional lifestyles.
- Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Kivu, the Source of the Nile, and the stunning national parks of Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.
- Adventure Activities: Participate in thrilling experiences such as white-water rafting on the Nile, boat rides on Lake Kivu, and night fishing with local fishermen.
- Wildlife Safaris: Explore diverse ecosystems and spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and numerous bird species.
Itinerary Summary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and transfer to Kampala; city tour.
- Day 2: Journey to Jinja; visit the Source of the Nile and optional white-water rafting.
- Day 3: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park; relax at Mweya Lodge.
- Day 4: Morning game drive; drive to Bwindi and visit the Buhoma Pygmy Village.
- Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park.
- Day 6: Drive to Musanze, Rwanda; visit Gorilla Guardian Village.
- Day 7: Travel to Gisenyi; visit Bigogwe Farm and relax by Lake Kivu.
- Day 8: Explore Gisenyi; drive to Bukavu, DRC; relax at Lodge Coco.
- Day 9: Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
- Day 10: Journey to Rusizi, Rwanda; evening boat ride and night fishing experience.
- Day 11: drive from Rusizi to Nyungwe National Park; experience canopy walk
- Day 12: From Nyungwe National Park to Kigali; visit the King’s Palace Museum, located in Nyanza
- Day 13: City tour and evening flight; visit to kigali genocide memorial in the morning
Accommodations:
- Kampala: Marie’s Royale Hotel
- Jinja: 2 Friends Guest House
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Mweya Lodge
- Bwindi National Park: Buhoma Lodge
- Musanze: Fatima Hotel
- Gisenyi: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Bukavu: Lodge Coco
- Rusizi: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
What to Expect:
- Physical Activities: Moderate level of physical activity, including hiking during gorilla trekking and walking in national parks.
- Cultural Experiences: Opportunities to interact with local communities and learn about their traditions and conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Encounters: Potential for up-close experiences with various wildlife species throughout the journey.
This tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure, combining wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking scenery. Get ready for an incredible journey through the heart of East Africa!
Details
Experience the diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible wildlife of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) over 13 days. This itinerary includes thrilling activities such as gorilla trekking, cultural immersions, and scenic exploration.
- Arrival in morning: Our driver will Pick up you at Entebbe international Airport and drive to Kampala (about 48 km).
- Check-in: Arrive in Kampala and check in at Marie's Royale Hotel.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kampala.
- Afternoon Activities: Explore Kampala:
- Visit the Gaddafi National Mosque for panoramic views of the city.
- Tour the Royal Parliament and learn about Uganda’s governance.
- Visit the Royal Palace of Buganda Kingdom and discover its history.
- Explore the Baha'i Gardens for a peaceful retreat.
- Dinner And overnightstay: Return to the Marie's Royale Hotel for dinner and Overnight Stay; Relax and unwind at the hotel.
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Marie's Royale Hotel.
- Drive to Jinja: Depart for Jinja (about 90 km).
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, including sugar plantations and tea gardens, as well as the Mabira Forest, home to baboons.
- Visit the Source of the Nile: Upon arrival in Jinja, visit the Victoria Falls, the source of the Nile River (about 30 minutes).
- Lunch: Have lunch at 2 Friends in Jinja.
- Check-in: Arrive at 2 friends guest house in Jinja and check in.
- Afternoon Activities: Spend some leisure time enjoying the surroundings or partake in optional activities such as a boat trip on the Nile and white water rafring.
- Dinner and over night: Enjoy dinner at 2 friends guest house and stay whole night.
- Breakfast: Have breakfast at 2 friends guest house in Jinja.
- Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park: Depart for the park (approximately 8 hours).
- Interim Stop: Stop for lunch along the way in Fort Portal
- Equator Stop: If time allows, make a brief stop at the equator for photos.
- Check-in: Arrive at Mweya Lodge, check in, and relax after the long journey.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Mweya Lodge and unwind for the evening.
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Mweya Lodge.
- Game Drive: Take a morning game drive to spot wildlife, including elephants, lions, monkeys, and more (about 3 hours).
- Drive to Bwindi National Park: Depart for Bwindi (about 280 km).
- Visit Buhoma Pygmy Village: Arrive in Bwindi and visit the Buhoma Pygmy Village to experience local culture (batwa experience).
- Check-in: Check in at Buhoma Lodge.
- Dinner and Overnight stay: Have dinner at the buhoma lodge and enjoy the evening.
- Early Breakfast: Pack breakfast and have an early meal at the lodge.
- Park Headquarters: Head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking.
- Gorilla Trekking: Begin your trek to find the gorillas. Once located, spend one hour observing and interacting with them.
- Return to Lodge: After the trek, return to Buhoma Lodge for lunch and relaxation.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the buhoma lodge.
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Buhoma Lodge.
- Drive to Musanze: Depart for Musanze (about 130 km), taking in the beautiful scenery along the way.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in kisoro uganda
- Check-in: Arrive at Fatima hotel in Musanze and check in.
- Visit Gorilla Guardian Village: Experience the Gorilla Guardian Village, where you can learn about local conservation efforts and the community’s role in protecting gorillas. Engage with the local people, enjoy traditional music and dance, and see how they support sustainable tourism.
- Explore Musanze: Take time to explore musanze town in evening, including local markets and craft shops.
- Dinner: Have dinner at fatima hotel in Musanze.
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at fatima hotel in Musanze.
- Drive to Gisenyi: Depart for Gisenyi (about 60 km), enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
- Visit Bigogwe Farm: Stop at Bigogwe Farm, where you will learn about sustainable farming practices, explore the farm, and perhaps participate in some activities. It’s a great opportunity to experience local farming and community initiatives.
- Lunch: Experience traditional Rwandan cuisen at bigogwe.
- Explore Gisenyi: After visiting the farm, take some time to explore the town of Gisenyi or relax by Lake Kivu.
- Check-in: Arrive at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel and check in.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel and take in the beautiful lakeside views.
- Overnight Stay: Relax and unwind at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Morning: Gisenyi Activities
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
- Explore Gisenyi: After breakfast, take some time to explore Gisenyi. Possible activities include:
- Lake Kivu: Stroll along the lakeshore by boat ride or relax by the beach.
- Local Markets: Visit nearby markets to experience local culture and crafts.
Afternoon: Drive to Bukavu
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Kivu serena hotel
- Departure: Begin your drive to Bukavu (approximately 4-5 hours).
- Safety Reminder: Guests will remain in the vehicle during any stops. The guide will ensure that stops are made in safe areas.
- Arrival in Bukavu: Check in to your hotel and relax after the journey.
Hotel: Stay at a Lodge Coco in Bukavu, where you will unwind and prepare for the next day's adventures.
Morning:
- Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Coco lodge.
- Transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park: Head to the park headquarters for a briefing on lowland gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Trekking:
- Briefing: Listen to important guidelines and safety information from park rangers.
- Trek to Find the Gorillas: Embark on your trek into the forest, accompanied by a local guide. The trek can vary in difficulty, so be prepared for an adventure.
- Gorilla Interaction: Once you locate the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe and interact with them in their natural habitat. Your guide will provide insights into their behavior and conservation efforts.
Afternoon:
- Return to Coco Lodge: After your incredible experience, trek back to the park headquarters and transfer back to coco lodge.
- Lunch and Relaxation: Enjoy lunch at Lodge Coco and take some time to relax and reflect on the morning's adventure.
Evening:
- Dinner: Savor dinner at the lodge, enjoying local cuisine and the serene surroundings.
Overnight Stay: Rest comfortably at Lodge Coco, preparing for the next day's activities
Morning:
- Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Lodge Coco.
- Departure: Check out and prepare for your journey to Rusizi. The drive takes about 2-3 hours.
Afternoon:
- Arrival in Rusizi: Check in at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay hotel which offers views of Lake Kivu.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Restaurant La Palmeraie, which offers delicious Rwandan cuisine.
Evening Activities:
- Lake Kivu Evening Boat ride: Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as the sun sets over the lake.
- Night Fishing: participate in night fishing for a unique experience under the stars with local fisher mens and experience their fishing songs.
Dinner and Overnight Stay:
- Enjoy dinner at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay, where you can savor fresh local dishes and relax by the water and stay a restful night.
Morning:
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Mantis kivu marina bay hotel in Rusizi.
- Departure to Nyungwe: Check out and begin your journey to Nyungwe National Park (approximately 40 minutes).
Tea Exploration:
- Stop at a Tea Plantation: On your way, visit a local tea plantation for a guided tour. Learn about the tea production process and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the tea fields.
Lunch:
- Lunch at Gisakura Guest House: Arrive at Gisakura and have lunch at the guest house. This is a great opportunity to relax and recharge.
Afternoon:
- Check-in at Gisakura Gate: After lunch, check in at the Gisakura Gate to enter Nyungwe National Park.
- Canopy Walkway: Experience the famous Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe. Enjoy breathtaking views of the forest from above and possibly spot some wildlife.
Evening:
Dinner and Overnight Stay at Uwinka Guest House: Head to Uwinka guest house for dinner, enjoying local cuisine in a beautiful setting and Stay overnight where you will unwind after a full day of exploration.
Morning:
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Uwinka Guest House.
- Departure to Kigali: Check out and start your drive to Kigali.
En Route Activities:
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum in Huye: Stop at the Ethnographic Museum, known for its extensive collection of Rwandan artifacts and cultural exhibits. This is a great way to learn about Rwanda's history and traditions.
- King’s Palace Museum: After the ethnographic museum, visit the King’s Palace Museum, located in Nyanza. Explore the traditional royal residence and learn about the history of Rwandan monarchy.
Lunch:
- Lunch in Huye: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Huye, sampling some regional dishes.
Afternoon:
- Continue to Kigali: After lunch, continue your journey to Kigali, which will take about 2-3 hours, stop over at Stanford in kamonyi district.
Evening:
- Check-in at 2000 Hotel: Arrive in Kigali and check in at Hotel 2000, known for its comfortable accommodations and convenient location.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at 2000 hotel or explore nearby dining options in Kigali.
Overnight Stay: 
Relax and unwind at Hotel 2000 after a day of travel and exploration.
Morning:
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Hotel 2000.
- Kigali City Tour:
- Richard Kandt House Museum: Visit the Richard Kandt House, which showcases the history of Rwanda and the life of its first governor.
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: Pay your respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant site that commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide Against Tutsi and provides insight into Rwanda’s history.
Midday:
- Final Shopping: Take some time for final shopping in Kigali. Explore local market (kimironko) for souvenirs, crafts, and Rwandan coffee.
Afternoon:
- Return to Hotel: Head back to Hotel 2000 for some relaxation before your flight. Use this time to freshen up and pack.
Evening:
- Departure Preparation: Check out of the hotel and prepare for your evening flight.
- Transfer to Airport: Depending on your flight time, the hotel can assist with transportation to Kigali international airport.
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